Final procession to the grave - mantrA 153

srigurubhyO namahA |
In the 153rd mantrA, the sage declares (without wasting many words in the process) that the final journey to the cremation grounds is the same for everyone. Be they kings of this land or those inhabiting the poorest districts, in death all differences disappear. Death is a great leveler and the sage brings this to our attention.

நாட்டுக்கு நாயகன் நம்மூர்த் தலைமகன்
காட்டுச் சிவிகையொன்று ஏறிக் கடைமுறை
நாட்டார்கள் பின்செல்ல முன்னே பறைகொட்ட
நாட்டுக்கு நம்பி நடக்கின்ற வாறே. I.2.11.153

Lord was he of our land, sole leader of our place,
Mounted now on palanquin for the ultimate journey's end;
Mourners walked behind, clashing drums beat afore;
Thus did the solemn show, in ample length, extend.I.2.11.153

Com - Lord was he of our land, sole leader of our place, He was the undisputed leader of the land and the chief of our city (while alive) Mounted now on palanquin for the ultimate journey's end; (Now) after death, his body is carried to the cremation grounds on a richly decorated bier (pAdai) Mourners walked behind, clashing drums beat afore; The citizens of the land walk behind the bier to accompany the body on its last journey, while towards the front of the bier are the drummers who beat their drums (parai) furiously. Thus did the solemn show, in ample length, extend. This is how the lord of our land travelled to the cremation grounds.

*A rather plainly spoken verse here and there is not much in the way of coded meanings to elaborate on. The truth that in death everyone is equal is revealed here. Even though the person spoken of above is the sovereign of the land and is a leader of many, his final journey to the grave is as certain as anyone else’s. Kingship and vast riches do not give one transcendence over death. Though the line of mourners following the bier might be longer for the king, though the richly decorated bier might resemble a palanquin, his final journey is similar to the final journey of everyone else. Please note here that the final journey to the pyre is detailed as is the custom in the Tamil speaking lands of the south. Though most people follow rites somewhat similar, the sage here is evoking the Tamil custom in vogue then as it is now.

thirucchitrambalam |